The town of Andover may consider one, or more, bond issues at Town Meeting on March 10. As Town Moderator, I want to ensure that everyone understands how a bond is handled that differs from the usual warrant article expense.

There must be at least one public hearing for any bond issue in excess of $100,000. This hearing must be held at least 15 days, but no more than 60 days, prior to the date of the bond vote. The governing body/select body determines the form of the warrant article after the public hearing (RSA 33:8-a).

Bond issues in excess of $100,000 must appear first on the warrant and must be “acted on” first. “Acted on” means completing the discussion and starting the vote process.

Bond issues require a secret ballot. Each bond issue requires its own ballot box. For Andover’s Town Meeting to pass a bond requires at least two-thirds approval.

I am required to accept ballots on each bond issue for at least one hour following completion of any discussion of that bond. Other issues on the warrant will be discussed while voting occurs on the bond issue.

The total appropriations (the budget, plus all the other warrant articles, including any bond) at the annual meeting cannot exceed 10% above the total expenditures approved by the Budget Committee. There are certain special exceptions to this rule that require legal guidance if you intend to get the DRA to approve an override. (RSA32:18).